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| Taj Mahal, Agra India The Taj Mahal, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, serves as a testament to everlasting love and exceptional architectural mastery. Situated in Agra, India, this renowned mausoleum was ordered by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in honor of his cherished wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Building of the Taj Mahal commenced in 1632 and was finalized in 1653, involving numerous skilled artisans and craftsmen.  Historical Background Mumtaz Mahal, born Arjumand Banu Begum, was the third spouse of Shah Jahan. She was renowned for her beauty, elegance, and profound love for her husband. In 1631, Mumtaz Mahal passed away while delivering their 14th child. Overwhelmed by her passing, Shah Jahan made a decision to construct a structure that would immortalize her beauty and their love tale. The Taj Mahal is not only a mausoleum but also a symbol of the peak of Mughal architecture, blending Indian, Persian, and Islamic architectural influences. The building process was a massive undertaking, requiring a team of more than 20,000 workers, such as masons, stonecutters, inlayers, carvers, painters, calligraphers, dome-builders, and various other skilled artisans.  Taj Mahal Design and Layout: The Taj Mahal complex covers an area of 17 hectares and consists of a mosque, a guest house, and formal gardens enclosed by a crenellated wall on three sides. The grand main gateway (Darwaza) is constructed from red sandstone and embellished with detailed white marble inlay work. The gardens are designed in a charbagh (Mughal garden) layout, dividing the space into four parts with pathways and water channels. |
The Main Mausoleum:
The central focus of the Taj Mahal is the white marble mausoleum, standing on a square plinth and consisting of a symmetrical building with an iwan (an arch-shaped doorway) topped by a large dome and finial. The structure is flanked by four minarets, each standing at 40 meters high. These minarets were designed as working minarets — a traditional element of mosques, used by the muezzin to call the Islamic faithful to prayer. However, in the case of the Taj Mahal, they were purely ornamental and meant to frame the mausoleum beautifully.  Dome and Finial: The most striking feature of the Taj Mahal is its central dome, which is often referred to as an onion dome because of its shape. This dome rises to a height of about 35 meters (115 feet) and is surrounded by four smaller domed kiosks (chattris). The top of the dome is adorned with a gilded finial, which combines a traditional Islamic crescent moon with a Hindu-style spire, reflecting the syncretic nature of Mughal architecture.  Interior and Decorative Elements: The interior chamber of the Taj Mahal is an octagonal room that houses the cenotaphs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan. The real tombs lie in a relatively plain crypt beneath the inner chamber. The cenotaph of Mumtaz Mahal is placed at the precise center of the inner chamber, while that of Shah Jahan is off-centered beside her, a deviation from the traditional Mughal practice reflecting the monument’s unique purpose. The walls and the cenotaphs are inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones, forming intricate floral patterns. This technique, known as pietra dura or parchin kari, was brought to India from Italy and is a hallmark of Mughal architecture. The calligraphy on the walls is done in black marble and features verses from the Quran, meticulously inscribed by the calligrapher Amanat Khan.  Marble and Inlay Work: The white marble used for the Taj Mahal was sourced from the quarries of Makrana in Rajasthan. The marble is known for its fine texture and ability to reflect light, giving the Taj Mahal its ethereal glow, especially at sunrise and sunset. The inlay work on the marble is one of the most exquisite examples of craftsmanship, with precious stones like jade, crystal, lapis lazuli, amethyst, and turquoise inlaid into the marble in delicate patterns. Symbolism and Legacy The Taj Mahal is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a symbol of the Mughal Empire’s zenith and its ability to amalgamate various cultural influences. The monument’s perfect symmetry, its ethereal beauty, and the poignant love story behind its creation continue to captivate millions of visitors from around the world. Shah Jahan, who was later deposed and imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb, spent his final years gazing at the Taj Mahal from a window in Agra Fort. He was eventually laid to rest beside Mumtaz Mahal, completing the love story that inspired the creation of this timeless wonder. Please feel free to ask about Taj Mahal Tour or any other Tours Places to visit in Agra Taj Mahal Agra Fort Itimad ud daulah (Baby Taj) Mehtab Bagh (Garden) Fatehpur Sikri Tomb of Akbar (Sikandra). Jama Masjid. Chini Ka Rauza. Tomb of Mariam Agra Bear Rescue Facility Swamibagh Temple Elephant Conservation & Care Center Agra City Monuments Tickets Indian foreigner Taj Mahal Rs.250 Rs.1300 Agra Fort Rs.50 Rs.600 Itimad-Ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) Rs.30 Rs.300 Mehtab Bagh (Garden) Rs.25 Rs.300 Akbar's Tomb, Sikandra Rs.30 Rs.300 Fatehpur Sikri Rs.50 Rs.600 There is no entry fee for children under the age of 15 (both Indian and foreigners). FAQ Asked Questions About Taj Mahal Q - Is Taj Mahal open every day?. Answer - No, Taj Mahal Remain Closed on Every Friday. Q - what is the best time to visit Taj Mahal. Answer - The best time to visit at sunrise and sunset. Q - What to wear in Taj Mahal India / Is there any Dress Code in the Taj Mahal?. Answer - No, there is no dress code at the Taj Mahal. It is good to keep in mind the Indian culture. |
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